Professor Kazuaki Hanada Fukuoka Japan\u2014Kyushu University, Starlight Engine Ltd. (SLE), and Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd. (KF) have joined forces under a new joint research agreement to advance the FAST (Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) Project\u2014an ambitious initiative to demonstrate practical fusion power generation by the 2030s. This collaboration will focus on designing critical instruments and components that will help turn fusion energy from theory into reality.<\/p>\n Kyushu University, Starlight Engine, and Kyoto Fusioneering have signed a joint research agreement to accelerate progress on the FAST Project\u2014Japan\u2019s ambitious push to demonstrate fusion power by the 2030s.<\/p>\n Launched in November 2024 and led by Starlight Engine, FAST brings together top scientists, industrial leaders, and global collaborators to overcome key technical hurdles in fusion energy as part of the Japanese government\u2019s national fusion roadmap.<\/p>\n Under the new agreement, Professor Kazuaki Hanada and his team at Kyushu University will lead R&D on critical device and instrument design. Hanada is a recognized leader in plasma physics and the architect behind QUEST (Q-shu University Experiment with Steady-State Spherical Tokamak) Asia\u2019s largest spherical tokamak device. His team also manages one of Japan\u2019s most advanced datasets on plasma-facing components.<\/p>\n By combining Kyushu University\u2019s deep research expertise, Kyoto Fusioneering\u2019s world-class engineering, and Starlight Engine\u2019s project leadership, the partnership aims to fast-track the core technologies needed to make fusion energy a viable power source.<\/p>\n As part of the agreement, Kyushu University, Starlight Engine, and Kyoto Fusioneering will collaborate on the design of key devices and components for the FAST Project. This includes developing high-level design guidelines, assessing feasibility and construction costs, and using simulation tools grounded in experimental data from QUEST\u2014Kyushu University\u2019s flagship spherical tokamak\u2014to improve plasma\u2013wall interaction strategies and ensure stable plasma operation. This design phase marks a critical step toward FAST\u2019s construction and Japan\u2019s long-term fusion power ambitions.<\/p>\n Professor Kazuaki Hanada, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University<\/b> Kiyoshi Seko, CEO, Starlight Engine Ltd.<\/b> Satoshi Konishi, Co-Founder and CEO, Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd.<\/b> ###<\/p>\n About Starlight Engine Ltd.<\/b> About Kyoto Fusioneering<\/b>
\n Research Institute for Applied Mechanics<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nJoint research agreement overview<\/h4>\n
Joint research agreement details<\/h4>\n
Comments from project leaders<\/h4>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re excited to contribute to the FAST Project\u2019s design phase. This privately led effort is a major milestone for fusion research in Japan. At a time when privately driven fusion programs are being developing around the world, the FAST Project marks a significant step forward for Japan. I look forward to applying the expertise we\u2019ve developed through QUEST to help build a strong foundation for Japan\u2019s fusion future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to collaborate with Kyushu University and Kyoto Fusioneering on FAST. Professor Hanada\u2019s leadership in fusion research, especially through QUEST, brings invaluable insight based on decades of knowledge and expertise. Together with KF\u2019s engineering strengths, we\u2019re committed to pushing FAST forward at speed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to work alongside Professor Hanada, one of Japan\u2019s leading fusion researchers, and support the FAST Project, driven by SLE. Achieving fusion power in the 2030s is a bold national goal, and we\u2019re ready to help turn that vision into reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nEstablished in April 2025, Starlight Engine Ltd provides centralized leadership for the FAST Project. With a mission to transform the fusion energy landscape, Starlight Engine unites expertise from industry, academia, and government agencies to guide FAST through its next critical milestones. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company is committed to ensuring the fast-tracked, coordinated advancement of the technologies essential for a fusion-powered future.<\/p>\n
\nKyoto Fusioneering, established in 2019, is a privately funded technology startup with facilities in Tokyo and Kyoto (Japan), Reading (UK), Karlsruhe (Germany) and Seattle (USA). The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for commercial fusion power plants, such as gyrotron systems, tritium fuel cycle technologies, and breeding blankets for tritium production and power generation. Working collaboratively with public and private fusion developers across the globe, Kyoto Fusioneering\u2019s mission is to make fusion energy the ultimate, sustainable solution for humanity\u2019s energy needs. Explore more about KF\u2019s vision for the future of energy at www.kyotofusioneering.com\/en\/ or by contacting media@kyotofusioneering.com.<\/p>\n